With a conventional type of system hot water cannot be
provided on demand but must be stored, usually in a copper
cylinder (usually located in an airing cupboard) and a cold
water tank above it (usually in the attic) as well as a
smaller central heating header tank (also usually in the
attic).

As the water is pre-heated and stored, it can be used by
more than one tap at a time without significant loss of flow.
The Conventional system is particularly suited to the
larger property with more than one bathroom or where
mains water pressure is too low for an instantaneous appliance such as a combination boiler.

There are various ways in which conventional systems can be improved.

• Boiler renewal. Old boilers can be renewed for improved performance, safety and economy.
• Power-flushing to remove accumulated sludge coupled with installation of pressurisation kit (the header tank is removed) for improved filling and circulation.
• Upgrade to pre-lagged, high efficiency conventional cylinder for faster heat up and economy.
• Upgrade to unvented hot water. The large cold tank and cylinder are removed and a special cylinder installed.
• Change to continuous hot water. All 3 tanks are removed and a combination boiler replaces the existing conventional boiler.
• Controls upgrade for separate time and temperature control of central heating and hot water for improved economy and comfort control.